GAME REPORT

Turkey Cannot Stop The Spanish Train

Astou Ndour Gueye registered her second double-double in the space of 24 hours, as she led all Spain scorers with 18 points and grabbed 11 boards

Spain remain undefeated, after five games, at the Global Vision U18 European Championship Women, as they defeated Turkey, 69-57 in Qualifying Round Group E.

It was not an easy ride for the favorites though.

Turkey became the only team in this tournament to have won two quarters against Spain.

They were also the first team to keep Spain, the team with a best offense so far, under 70 points.

In addition, they were the first team to score more than 50 points against the Spanish defense, also the best in the tournament.

And maybe, if it wasn't for that overtime game against Poland, 24 hours earlier, the Turkish side would have been able to show even more.

It was 44-28 for the Spanish team at the break, after they ended the first half with a 9-0 run, fueled by three consecutive three-point shots, made by Marles Balart, Elena De Alfredo and Andrea Vilaro.

The Turkish fought hard in the second half but never managed to come closer than 10 points.

Still, they showed some nice basketball in front of the big favorites at this tournament.

Ayse Cora, who recently signed with EuroLeague Women powerhouse Galatasaray, was the top scorer for Turkey, with 19 points.

Ozge Kavurmacioglu had 12 points and six rebounds, while Olcay Cakir contributed with 10 points, nine rebounds and two assists.

Astou Ndour dominated the boards and finished with another double-double, 18 points and 11 rebounds, to go with her three blocks.

Vilaro added 15 points and De Alfredo 11 for the winners.

Spain will play Sweden on Wednesday, in a clash for the first place in the group, while Turkey can secure their place in the Quarter-Finals with a win against Slovenia, in spite of this setback.